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Harper tossed for arguing third-strike call

5/5/13: Bryce Harper gets ejected in the first inning by the third base umpire after arguing a called strike three on a check swing

By Bill Ladson
/
MLB.com |

PITTSBURGH -- Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper was ejected in the first inning after striking out against the Pirates in a 6-2 victory at PNC Park on Sunday afternoon.

With two outs, Harper worked the count to 2-2 against left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, who threw a curveball to Harper. It looked like Harper didn't swing at the pitch, but third-base umpire John Hirschbeck ruled that he did to end the inning. A few seconds later, Harper was ejected by Hirschbeck. Harper then slammed his bat down and left the game without further incident.

It marked Harper's second career ejection. The first one came on Aug. 29, 2012, against the Marlins after he slammed his helmet down while trying to beat out a ground ball.

Roger Bernadina replaced Harper in left field and went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

"I was going to give Harper the day off, but I didn't expect it to go that way," Washington manager Davey Johnson said.

Harper, who is nursing a sore left side, wouldn't say what happened during the incident. In fact, he said he didn't know what caused it.

"It's just something that happened. I'm glad it didn't cause the outcome of the game where we are losing. We got the 'W' today and things like that happen," Harper said.

Hirschbeck explained to MLB.com why he ejected Harper from the game.

"First of all, he put both arms up in the air. To me, I felt like that's showing me up," Hirschbeck said. "I yelled at him and warned him to stop. And then he continued and he slammed his bat down. I actually warned him again and then the next thing he slammed his helmet down, and I felt three warnings are more than enough."

Johnson said that Hirschbeck is a good umpire and made the right call when it came to Harper swinging on the third strike. But he wished that Hirschbeck had walked away from the incident.

"He is a good umpire. I like John," Johnson said. "He made the right call. What can I say? I wish he hadn't made it. I don't want to lose anybody. I definitely don't want to lose my three-hole hitter in the first inning."